Lunch with Philippa

On the 19th of December I went to Wentworth Garden Centre to meet up with Philippa for lunch. We have been to all kinds of pubs and cafes and definitely have our favourites, but I thought that as it was Christmas it would be nice to go a bit fancy and have afternoon tea at Wentworth. It's not that far from my house; I think technically it's in Rotherham but I could be wrong there. But it wasn't far for Philippa to travel either. 

Lee and I had afternoon tea there before a couple of years ago, in the Bothy, after my mum had bought us a voucher for it for Christmas I think. Back then the Bothy was a tiny glorified shed with about five tables in it out the back of the main restaurant. So I assumed it was still there! I asked Philippa and she was happy to go there. As it was just before Christmas they had a special festive afternoon tea, so I booked it.

We met outside as Philippa hadn't been before so didn't know where she was going. But then as I was following the signs I realised the Bothy has moved! It's not behind the restaurant anymore, it's off to the left, and it is HUGE. It is now three different rooms, really busy with a bunch of tables and a lot of staff! The restaurant was always too busy so I'm glad they've expanded! 

We got seated at a lovely table. Inside the Bothy is decorated all dark greys and leather, but I think they've stolen some decor from Betty's cafes too. We were quickly served with our afternoon teas; they were so gorgeous. I had decaf coffee and it was plentiful and so was the milk. As I'm vegetarian I had veggie sandwiches - there was egg mayo, cheese and pickle, red pepper and hummus, and mozarella and pesto. They were all really nice. The cakes were gorgeous! There was a scone with jam and cream, a meringue, a Viennese mince pie, a piece of ginger cake and a piece of chocolate brownie. I ended up bringing the meringue home as I was so full. I don't understand how you can get so full on tiny sandwiches and pieces of cake?! 

After lunch and after we had chatted a lot, we both headed home. At other times I would have had a wander round the shop and the garden centre, but it was so busy that I just couldn't be bothered. So I headed home. I was wearing my Christmas themed skirt and on top a t shirt (can't remember which offhand) but I had put my ridiculous Snag jumper on top as it was cold. I love the strawberry and cherry pattern and it's so cosy and warm. 

Look how cute the plate looked when it arrived

And a close up of the cakes on top. Pippa had slightly different cakes, I assume that one of hers had gelatine and wasn't suitable for vegetarians

This map was in the toilets and I thought it was really cute 

And here I am when I got home in my Christmas skirt and my very cheerful jumper

Barnsley Pride and A Surprise

The thirteenth of July was Barnsley Pride and I really wanted to go! I've never been to a Pride event before so I thought it was about time I sorted that out. I knew it would be a smallish event which is perfect for me as I don't like crowds too much. Lee agreed to go too, so we got up on on Saturday and headed into town about 11am. I also knew there was a Young Makers Market on in the market and I wanted to look at that first. 

I bought some wax melts and we bought some goodies from the market too. In the main square of the Glassworks there was a brass band thing going on all day, so we listened to a band called Frumptarn for a little bit. Then we headed to Mandela Gardens where Pride was just getting started! The first act was a choir and they were brilliant, we really liked them. We walked round the stalls but didn't get anything straight away.

Disappointingly the only food van there was only doing meat burgers so not suitable for either of us, so Lee went to the fish and chip shop nearby and we shared chips sitting on a bench on the Gardens watching the show and watching people coming past. There were so many people with all kinds of flags and badges, and a bunch of families, and it was really nice to see, honestly. There were people giving out free hugs and we both got one! After we'd eaten we headed inside to the Civic. In the main room there was an acoustic stage and someone making quite a nice racket, and there were more stalls but not tons. It was nice though.

We went back outside and got ice creams from the van. I was wearing one of my rainbow dresses and a few people asked me about it. It was from Topsy Curvy so I was pleased to tell people about it! The weather wasn't great and it kept trying to rain a little bit but it wasn't too bad. We watched someone play saxophone for ages, they weren't amazing but it was quite fun.

About 2.30 we went into the Garrison pub which is when I saw the sign below that says "All Tarn Aren't We?" Tarn means 'town' and people use it to mean Barnsley so it's saying we're all the same community, which I like. In there it was busy and there was an Abba tribute duo on who weren't great. So we decided to go to the Lounge back in the main square for a drink. But it was a fun Pride and I am so glad to have been among my community. 

Lee had an Oreo milkshake and I had a Betty Blue which had blue Curacao and vodka with orange juice. It was really nice! We left there about 3.30pm and went back through the market for a couple more bits that we wanted. 

And then... we got home... and got a surprise. Our house is a strange set up and there is another row of houses near us, and we had met this family before who lived in one of the houses of the other row. Our cats are allowed outside the back of our house, with supervision, and this family had seen them. They had got a kitten and talked to us about her. However, when we got home, they were about to leave. They had been evicted and they couldn't take the kitten to their new house. So they asked us to take her, hoping we would know someone who would take her. We took her and they left, and all of a sudden we had a six month old kitten to look after even if it was only temporarily. 

Lee went to the supermarket to get supplies for her, and then we sat in our bedroom with her, keeping our two away from her. We asked a few people if they knew anyone who would take her, but we didn't have much look. But surely we couldn't keep her, could we? We kind of wanted to, but we just weren't sure... 

As it stands, it's the day after, and she's still in our bedroom. She's happy and she seems healthy. We're going to take her to the vet tomorrow and see what they say. We are hoping that our two will get on with her and that she can live with us! But we will see! But for now, we're calling her Kiki. It's crackers because I really wasn't expecting it at all and I don't know yet if she's staying... but I hope she is. She's a cute little thing. 

So many rainbows around in Pride!

Including this one hanging off the side of the Civic

Lee and I 

We really liked these signs that were around 

And this one too

This was inside in the space that is usually the Civic's auditorium

Ice cream with two types of syrup!

Looking towards the main stage outside

And towards the stalls

I was wearing my Pride Converse that I got on Vinted, of course, as well as this starry pair of tights from Snag. They're a bit knackered now but I love them so much

All tarn aren't we?

My Betty Blue in the Lounge

Rainbow tartan dress from Topsy Curvy, plus a rainbow necklace

And here's tiny kitten! She needs to grow into her ears!

What I Wore February 19th

Lee wasn't working on February the 19th as it was a freebie day off for him, so I asked him if he wanted to go out for lunch and he chose for us to go to the Toby Carvery near our house. It's not my first choice usually but actually I was in the mood for it so I agreed. First of all I went to craft club in Penistone, as I do every Monday generally. Then I went home and picked Lee up and we went to the carvery. It was really busy! I think some kids were on inset days and they were having staff problems too. 

But there were two courses for £11.49 so we both decided to get that. Now, the carvery does do a few vegetarian choices but I always find they're too much and that actually I would just like the vegetables, potatoes and stuffing etc. They used to advertise this but haven't for a while, but I decided I would just do that anyway. And indeed when I went up to the carvery counter there was absolutely no problem for me to not get any meat. I got everything else instead, including the cabbage, which was delicious, and the mac and cheese. It was delicious! I really enjoyed it and it was nice to spend time with Lee as I had barely seen him all week. We both also had whipped ice cream sundaes for pudding.

I relaxed for the rest of the day but I was glad we had gone out for lunch. I was wearing my Scarlett & Jo skirt which I usually say is purple, but it's almost the same colour as my new Hamilton t shirt... which is definitely blue. So really who knows. They do look good together though! It wasn't freezing cold so I had just put on my huge new strawberry jumper from Snag. It's so cosy!

Deeeeelicious carvery lunch! I like mine with lots of mustard

Outfit with my strawberry jumper on

And here you can see my new t-shirt! It's really soft and lovely, in a 2XL. I really liked the Schuyler sisters so had to have this!

Lunch Out and A Gig

On the last Sunday of January Lee and I went out for lunch! We had a voucher from his brother from Christmas so thought we would use it by going to Yo Sushi for lunch. I used to love it there but since Covid it's really gone downhill and I have to say it still isn't now brilliant. We booked a table for 12.30 and we got to Meadowhall a little bit before twelve so we went in a few shops first. I had a voucher for a free box of Lindt chocolates because it had been my birthday, which was cool. We went into HMV and a couple of other places before heading up to Yo Sushi. We sat at a table not the bar. You have to order hot food and all drinks via the app, so we did that. There wasn't a lot of choice on the belt, especially veggie choices, so we ended up ordering some of that on the app too. Service was slow and a bit rubbish - we had to ask for some stuff twice, and even though you're near to staff it's nearly impossible to get hold of anyone. Annoying!

However, I will say that the vegetarian options have improved in the last few months. I had fake chicken katsu and fake steak teriyaki, both of which were delicious. Lee had fries and some Korean fried chicken, and we shared some avocado maki. We did enjoy it, but... But I will also say that Yo Sushi is moving in Meadowhall and is going to be on the outskirts of the Oasis in a much bigger place. Hopefully this will rectify a few of the problems!

After lunch we went into a few more shops. We both had Christmas money to spend so bought a few things. I got a new t shirt in one of the alternative shops in The Lanes, some wax melts in Yankee Candle, some stickers, and some birthday presents for Sarah from an indie shop selling things made in Sheffield. I love that type of stuff and I'm really glad that shop is there and hope it does really well! 

We got home around 3pm and chilled out for a bit before I headed out again at 5.45. I had a ticket to see Rowan Rheingans at Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds. I've seen her before as one of Lady Maisery and she's incredibly talented so I thought I would go along. I've never been to that venue before but it's really nice and the menu was great so I would like to go back and eat there. I bought a cup of coffee and headed downstairs to where the folk club is. The doors were at 6.30 but a little bit before that someone from the venue spotted my walking stick so told me I could go in and get a seat. This is brilliant for me and so accessible and I'm really appreciative of it! I sat on the second row and watched the support act, Rosie Brownhill, do her sound check, which was nice. She and I had a nice conversation too!

Rosie was really good and I would definitely see her again. She was instrumental and had a great thing called a chord organ which made a great deep noise while she played something else. I liked her tin whistle stuff! She was an excellent support act.

Rowan came on just after 8pm and played until about 9.20pm. I've seen her a few times with Lady Maisery and always enjoyed myself and this time was no different. She sounded so good and she is so talented. The whole vibe was really relaxed and I had a good view. I would definitely go back to the folk night! 

Because it finished so early I was home and eating toast in bed by 10.25! I bought a vinyl from Rowan too which I'm looking forward to listening to. I was also able to park right on a nearby road which is ideal for me too.

I was wearing a new jumper from Snag! I put it on my wishlist for my birthday and my aunt and uncle bought it for me! It's covered in strawberries and cherries and it's so warm and cuddly. It is meant to be oversized but I could probably have sized down. But no matter, like this it's enough to be worn as a cxoat, which I did indeed do. Underneath I had my 'Cheers Queers' t shirt and this skirt that used to be a dress that my friend gave me. I love it, it's quite thick and wintry so perfect for January. It was cold in the venue so I kept my jumper on. 

It was a lovely day!

This cute Sheffield mural is in Meadowhall and I liked it

Lee and I in Yo Sushi. This end of Meadowhall is being renovated as it's been pretty crap since Debenhams left a few years ago, and it really needs it

Fake chicken katsu, it was nice

Fake steak teriyaki, it was really nicely flavoured!

Veggie sushi - it was only okay - I would just have the inari pockets in the future

Me in my ridiculous strawberry and cherry jumper and alpine skirt

Rosie Brownhill in her support set

Rowan playing her banjo

And here she is playing two fiddles at the same time which is quite an achievement!

Here's the vinyl I bought

Lunch Out on 17th December

On the 17th of December Lee and I were at a bit of a loss as to what to do. We didn't have anything planned and we could have done literally anything! We both had jobs to do later in the day (including wrapping each other's presents) so decided to not go too far but to go out for lunch. I decided we would go to Fox House Inn which is on the way towards Holmfirth past Millhouse Green. We've been before - two years ago we went on Christmas Eve and it was just a lovely piece of calm during all the madness. It's a really lovely country pub, in the middle of nowhere, that serves immense portions of home cooked food. It sounded like just what I wanted. 

We got there about 11.45 and it wasn't yet open so we sat in the car for a bit longer. It was blowing a gale up there! A few other parties started to arrive but I knew we would get a table as it's quite a big pub and it wasn't that busy. We were told to sit wherever, so we sat at the table we sat at least time as far as I remember! The pub has a really nice atmosphere and the staff are really friendly. 

Lee and I both had Yorkshire puddings with onion gravy to start with and then Lee had roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings and I had a mushroom stroganoff with chips. The food was absolutely gorgeous and we just had a really nice time chatting to each other and just relaxing. When we got home we tidied up the bedroom a bit and then did our chores each, but I'm glad we took the time to do this. I would recommend the pub if you're in the area!

I was wearing my red leopard print dress from Very, as it wasn't that cold of a day and I put my cardigan on just in case it was colder in the pub, but it wasn't. I was wearing some sparkly Snag Tights that I've been wearing a lot as they're so festive, and this patent pair of boots that I bought autumn 2022 but which I had put away because I've been wearing my Dr Marten ones! They popped up on Timehop so I dug them out again. They're really comfy and just look a bit fancy. 

The Christmas tree in the Fox House Inn looked absolutely lovely! 

My boots and tights before we set off

I took this picture of Lee and didn't realise until I got home that he had his eyes shut! 

Here I am

Oh yeah I had a lovely glass of red, it was recommended by the bartender and it was nice!

Yorkshire puddings and onion gravy, oh my

Lee's roast turkey

My mushroom stroganoff

And here's me in my Very dress!

Afternoon Tea with Katie and Kate

On the 6th of April I headed to Darlington to meet my friend Kate alongside our friend Katie. We had put this date in the diary way back in October after the last time we met up, which was in York. We weren't sure what we were going to do, but decided to go to Darlington for afternoon tea. I asked Katie to drive me and her from Wakefield as I was having a lot of pain and wasn't sure I could cope with driving all that way. She agreed - she's never driven me anywhere before so it was fun! She didn't learn until maybe eleven years ago or something like that, unlike me who passed my test twenty one years ago now! 

We arrived at Rockcliffe Hall at just before 1pm and met Kate and went inside. It's absolutely stunning inside. The afternoon tea is in the Orangery which was warm and lovely. The tea and coffee is unlimited so I went for a decaf cafetiere to start off with. 

We had ordered me a vegetarian afternoon tea, so my sandwiches were cucumber and cream cheese, smoked beetroot, cheese and chutney, and avocado. I also had roasted asparagus and red pesto tapenade. It was all really nice, I liked them a lot. 

The cakes were splendid - first of all there was a fruit scone and a plain scone. Then there was a rice pudding for me, but I didn't like it very much. Then a chocolate and rose sandwich which was nice. On top was a hazelnut praline Paris-Brest and a rhubarb and ginger fancy patisserie thing. We had another drink each and sat until just after 3.30 just chatting and catching up. 

I do love these girls! We have been friends since we were at uni at York St John from 2002 until 2005. We lived with each other! They were my bridesmaids! We've organised to get together in July too. 

I was wearing new tights from Snag. I had a gift voucher so I bought two pairs of the duo tights and a pair with shooting stars on. These duo ones are raspberry on one leg and bright blue on the other. They're so fun to wear and so eye catching. I paired them with my Simply Be dress with blue hearts. I haven't worn it in ages but I do love this dress a lot. 

We got back to Katie's about 5pm and we had a gin each and chatted for a bit longer before Lee arrived to pick me up. It was a lovely day! 

Duo tights before I set off in the morning, just as I was about to pull my boots on

I had done my nails - the bright pink is Essie Madison Ave-hue and the sparkle is OPI Gettin Miss Piggy With It. I thought the two looked cute together!

Coffee in a lovely silver pot

My sandwiches

The meat sandwiches

Look how lovely the cakes were

Katie and Kate got a passionfruit macaron instead of the rice pudding thing

Here's me and Kate

And Katie

Her lovely gin glasses when we got back to hers

My Simply Be dress

And finally the opals I was wearing. These belonged to my grandma - she said that the opal in the ring was brought from Australia for her, but I'm not sure when this was or by whom, if that's right. I inherited the lot after her recent death but I hadn't worn them until this day. They are beautiful though, aren't they? I won't wear them daily but I will on special occasions